Fin's Fish Guide
The Cortez flounder (Paralichthys aestuarius) is a brackish-water fish of the family Paralichthyidae that grows up to 58 cm.
Description
The Cortez flounder is a large flatfish from the eastern Pacific, off Baja California and the Gulf of California. The species grows to about 58 cm and has the typical strongly flattened, asymmetric body of a flounder, with both eyes on the left side and a large mouth. As a bottom-dweller the fish lives on soft bottoms of estuaries and shallow coastal waters to about 44 metres depth and is an active predator. It is a food fish of minor commercial importance. Owing to insufficient data the IUCN lists the species as Data Deficient (DD).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cortez flounder?
The Cortez flounder has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Asymmetrical flatfish with both eyes on the left; active bottom predator
Where does the Cortez flounder live?
The Cortez flounder lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Pacific
How big does the Cortez flounder get?
The Cortez flounder grows to a maximum of about 58 cm. On average the species is around 45 cm.
Is the Cortez flounder dangerous to humans?
No, the Cortez flounder is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Cortez flounder edible?
Yes, the Cortez flounder is commonly eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Paralichthys
More from the family Paralichthyidae
Want the complete picture on the Cortez flounder?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cortez flounder is one of 12,519 species in the app.